Cancer and Nutrition – Part 3

In
Part 1, we discussed dietary approaches for the cancer patient and
started the discussion of the use of dietary supplementation to optimize healing for the cancer patient with the understanding that these approaches DO NOT
replace appropriate conventional cancer treatments but rather, enhance
the health of the cancer patient during the treatment process. This is
the concluding continuation of parts 1 and 2.

8) Avoid Chemical Estrogens:
These can be 100-1000 times stronger than the body’s naturally produced
estrogen. They are very hard to detoxify and can remain in our system
for a long time. The worst offenders are pesticides, herbicides, birth
control pills (BCPs), and synthetic hormone replacements. Educate
yourself about natural hormone replacement (such as Dr. Susan Love’s
Hormone book and Christine Conrad’s, A Woman’s Guide to Natural
Hormones).

9) Decrease body weight: Fat cells
have an enzyme called “Aromatase” which converts testosterone into
estrogen, and abdominal fat is greatest offender of this. The “goal”
here is to stay within 10 lbs. of your ideal weight. If you can “pinch
more than 1 inch” next to the belly button, you probably need to lose
weight. A Body Mass Index of 19-25 is another useful way to measure
weight management (you can find many “BMI calculators” on the internet).
Here, AVOID eating empty calorie foods, especially sugars (soda,
alcohol, candy) and “bad fats” (omega-6). Also, eat more vegetables and
fiber, and get more exercise!

10) Limit Alcohol:
Research has demonstrated a link between increased alcohol consumption
and a higher risk of breast cancer. Alcohol also depletes folic acid
(vitamin B9), which can result in gene mutation and hence, a higher risk
of cancer. It can also produce liver damage, which in turn increases
estrogen due to the liver not being able to detoxify it properly.
Consider red wine, if you must drink, for its antioxidant benefits.

11) Increase Vitamin D:
Increased cancer risk has been reported with low vitamin D levels. An
estimated 1 billion people worldwide are vitamin D deficient. This is
more likely in those with darker skin, older individuals, and overweight
individuals. A minimum of 600 IU/day is needed for children and adults,
but optimum (cancer and other condition protection) levels require more
– up to 2000 to 4000 IU/day or even more! Vitamin D has been shown to
prevent the cells’ ability to abnormally divide and grow. Though some
report you can get 75% of your vitamin D from sunlight in 15 minutes,
3-4x/week, the best (safest) source may be through supplementation with
D3. Beyond cancer prevention, studies show vitamin D3 benefits bones,
muscle strength, heart disease, and immune function (and in turn,
multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, the flu, common cold, tuberculosis,
and premature death).

12) Exercise REGULARLY:
Two different studies reported 37% and 50% lower breast cancer risk for
women who exercise more than four hours per week! Other benefits of
exercise included decreased abdominal fat, body fat, decreased insulin
levels, and increased lymphatic circulation (to rid toxins). It also
facilitated in the production of “good” (natural) estrogen instead of
the higher risk “bad” estrogen. So, join a gym with a partner!

13) Find a competent Healthcare Coach:
A “team” including a chiropractor, oncologist, family practitioner, and
possibly others should be considered for treatment. Coordinated care
results in the best outcomes!

Members of ChiroTrust® have taken “The ChiroTrust Pledge”: “To the best of my ability, I agree to provide my patients convenient, affordable, and mainstream Chiropractic care. I will not use unnecessary long-term treatment plans and/or therapies.”

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This information should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. Any and all health care concerns, decisions, and actions must be done through the advice and counsel of a health care professional who is familiar with your updated medical history.